Transforming growth factor-alpha: a more potent angiogenic mediator than epidermal growth factor.

Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), and the structure of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related peptides. Purified human TGF-α in the ability of E. coli and natural mouse EGF binding to target cells in vitro and promote angiogenesis in the hamster cheek pouch bioassay. These two polypeptides were found to bind to several target cells, including endothelial cells, and in vitro stimulation of DNA synthesis in an equivalent manner. However, in vivo, TGF-α than EGF in promoting angiogenesis generate more efficient, since the TGF-α is known as it is secreted by a variety of human tumors, therefore suggested that this growth factor may contribute to tumor-induced angiogenesis .